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Discharge Instructions: Taking Blood Pressure Medicines

March 21, 2017

Discharge Instructions: Taking Blood Pressure Medications

You have been diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension). Diet and exercise help control high blood pressure. Many people also need the help of one or more medicines. Here are the main types of blood pressure medicines and how they work.

Diuretics

Diuretics are sometimes called "water pills" because they work in the kidney and flush excess water and sodium (salt) from the body. These are one of the most common and important medicines for the management of blood pressure.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers reduce nerve impulses to the heart and blood vessels. This makes the heart beat slower and with less force. Your blood pressure drops, and your heart does not have to work as hard, which may improve pumping function.